Ahh, portrait photography?!

~D~

~D~

~D~

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20 Jan 2007
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Well, one of my friends saw my portfolio and asked me to take a portrait picture of her to replace an old studio picture that was taken many years ago professionally (one she isn't happy with).

but.. I know nothing about portrait photography and my equipment list currently stands at a Nikon D60, the 18-55mm VR kit lens and a 55-200mm VR lens. No flashes or prime lens or anything, and this being a one off, it's not worth buying them. .

I think she wants it done outside (so I'm also at the mercy of the weather) but we might get a chance to do it in the evening 'golden hour'.

I've tried googling stuff but I can only find stuff that uses equipment I don't have. Anyway, I'm just after some tips from you guys as I've seen some impressive portraiture on here in the past :D
 
The cheapest item you can use for portrait without a flash gun would be a reflector. A nice tidy one can set you back a tenner for hand held or more for a tripod set up. What I'd do is get an willing assistant to hold the reflector to give better exposure of the subject's head/shoulder whilst having a decent background.

I personally prefer shooting in cloudy weather or late afternoon light. Easier to control the exposure and no harsh shadows from direct light when outdoor. I'm still trying to get more practice so can only offer basics which I'm confident :)

Oh and you don't *need* a very sharp lens for portrait shots. Prime isn't a necessity. Your your kit should suffice, just make sure you don't shoot under the 50mm range as distortion might become too obvious (big nose e.t.c.). Post editing is most important, getting rid of 'imperfections' and give the model some 'glow' and she should be happy.
 
I'd personally use your onboard flash on a reduced power setting for a bit of fill light also - dependent of course on the natural lighting available. I doubt you'll want to use the flash on anything other than low power as you'll end up with a dark backdrop and a lit subject.
 
I'm not sure there is even going to be much of a backdrop as it'll most likely be done in a park and she wants it looking 'natural' rather than obviously posed for. She seems to think I'll do a good job but I'm not so sure :P

Would you recommend I use the 55-200mm at 200mm or the kit lens at 55mm? (the tele lens offers greater bokeh)

I'd love to invest in a nifty fifty but the AF-S ones are so expensive and MF isn't recommend with the D60 right?
 
I'd actually work with using the 55-200 between the 55mm and 150mm range depending on how far you want to be and how close to the subject's face you'd like. at 55mm, I'd say the flash with a simple diffuser (one made out of a 35mm film roll container, those opaque ones) could do the job. Also, working with the kit lens at 55mm, when you want to be further away, you'll need to change lens.
 
don't buy a reflector, get a piece of carboard and cover it in silver foil to reflect the light on to her.

Using natural light and this should be enough.
 
you dont need any of the above, get a nice bright day, and find some shade (sounds backwards but it works really well) and get her just far enough into it so that none of the direct light is hitting her, the floor outside of the shade will act as a big reflector and give a really nice glow
 
Adding another complication, there is only one day she's available, so here's to hoping for good weather!

With the 55-200mm VR, what's the sweet spot on the lens? (if there is one) or should I use it at max focal length for the most bokeh (which seems to be the traditional technique for portraits)?
 
~D~ said:
With the 55-200mm VR, what's the sweet spot on the lens? (if there is one) or should I use it at max focal length for the most bokeh (which seems to be the traditional technique for portraits)?
Click to expand...

The 55-200mm is pretty good throughout its range, but for more details such as vignetting check out Thom Hogan's review.
 
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